Tinnitus can take many forms, including ringing, buzzing, or other sounds heard in the absence of an external sound source. For some people, it can become disruptive in everyday life, affecting concentration, sleep, or overall well-being.

In Quebec, treatment options for chronic tinnitus now include a new approach: bimodal neuromodulation with Lenire.

What is bimodal neuromodulation?

Bimodal neuromodulation is an approach that combines two types of sensory stimulation at the same time: hearing and touch. Its goal is to promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize how it functions—to reduce the perception of tinnitus and the disruption it can cause.

This treatment was approved by the FDA in 2023 and by Health Canada in 2025. It has been available in Quebec since June 2026.

How does Lenire work?

The treatment involves the simultaneous use of:

• headphones that deliver specially designed sounds;
• a tonguetip placed in the mouth that provides gentle tactile stimulation to the tongue.

These two forms of stimulation are synchronized according to specific settings. The combination is designed to gradually influence the neural activity associated with tinnitus.

In other words, rather than simply masking the perceived sound, this approach aims to change how the brain processes tinnitus.

What does the treatment involve?

Treatment is carried out at home and requires daily use of the device according to an established protocol. The device must be used for at least 12 weeks and, in some cases, it may be used longer, as per the health care professional’s recommendations.

Using the device consistently is one of the key factors for a successful treatment.

What results can be expected?

As per the cited study, 91%[1] of patients with moderate or worse tinnitus symptoms reported a significant reduction in how much their tinnitus bothered them after treatment with bimodal neuromodulation.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that results can vary from one person to another. No treatment can guarantee that tinnitus will disappear completely.

A new option for living better with tinnitus

Bimodal neuromodulation provides an additional option for managing chronic tinnitus. Depending on the person’s needs, management may also include:

• information and support;
• stress-management strategies;
• appropriate hearing protection;
• hearing aids, when needed.

Although it is not a definitive cure, bimodal neuromodulation may help reduce the impact of tinnitus on everyday life.

The treatment is available through audiologists who specialize in tinnitus at certain clinics.

Is tinnitus affecting your daily life? Speak with a hearing health professional to learn more about the options that may be appropriate for you.

By Sophie Waridel, Audiologist

[1] Source: 1- Kasper, C. A., May, J. M., Crossland, N. E., & Lim, H. H. (2026). Bimodal neuromodulation for tinnitus in a clinical practice setting: Clinically significant benefit for patients with moderate or worse symptoms. American Journal of Audiology, 35(1), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00090